AMV Stream Announces Release of “Reef Builders” Documentary

LONDON – AMV Stream has announced the release of “Reef Builders,” a new documentary directed and produced by Stephen Shearman, executive produced by Victoria Noble and Ben Padfield, with actor and environmental advocate Auli’i Cravalho acting as associate producer. The film was unveiled at a watch party during the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas.

“Reef Builders” chronicles one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration programs, the Sheba Hope Grows initiative led by Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS). The documentary highlights the inspiring stories of the people behind the program and the crucial role of ocean communities in restoring our planet’s coral reefs.

The documentary, developed in partnership with AMV BBDO, showcases the SHEBA brand’s commitment to supporting coral reef restoration globally. It tells the story of over 200 reef builders working to revive this vital marine ecosystem. By watching “Reef Builders,” viewers support a global community dedicated to finding solutions to restore coral reefs.

Professor David Smith, Senior Director of MSS and Chief Marine Scientist at Mars Incorporated, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in reef restoration:

“Restoring the world’s coral reefs isn’t something that can be undertaken alone – it requires the ocean community, businesses, and consumers from all corners of the earth to unite around the reef builders and scale their efforts.”

The film features powerful on-land and underwater photography, taking viewers on a journey to Bontosua, Indonesia; Lamu, Kenya; Moore Reef, Australia; and Auli’i’s native O’ahu, Hawai’i. It provides an unprecedented look into the fight to save coral reefs worldwide.

Auli’i Cravalho, associate producer, actor, and environmental advocate, shared her connection to the project:

“As a proud Native Hawaiian, I care deeply about our oceans. Working with the SHEBA brand on this restoration program and being part of this documentary has allowed me to partner with scientists, local fishermen, and divers of Hawai’i to give back to my community and help implement a groundbreaking, man-made solution to a man-made problem.”

The documentary begins with the restoration of HOPE Reef in Indonesia, a success story that transformed a decimated coral-rubble field into a flourishing coral reef using the innovative Reef Star structure. The film depicts the trials, tribulations, and successes of the MSS team and local volunteers as they scale the operation globally.

Stephen Shearman, director of “Reef Builders,” expressed his admiration for the reef builders:

“Through the telling of the moving, and at times harrowing stories of these reef builders, it’s my intention that the audience also builds a human connection with our coral reefs.”

The MSS team has installed over 87,000 Reef Stars with approximately 1.3 million corals attached, showcasing the program’s growth and impact.

Mindy Barry, Global Vice President of Marketing for the SHEBA brand, highlighted the documentary’s role in their mission:

“Through the documentary, we want to inspire and educate people on coral’s plight and its importance to our everyday lives.”

“Reef Builders” will be available to stream globally this spring. To learn more about the documentary and the Sheba Hope Grows program, visit ShebaHopeGrows.com and follow the SHEBA® brand on Instagram.

AMV BBDO is a creative company that crafts big ideas that move people, businesses, communities, and cultures. With a global creative community of over 8,000 people in 70+ countries, AMV BBDO delivers impactful ideas for brands with big ambitions.

AMV Stream, formerly Red Studios, is the branded entertainment division of AMV Group, specializing in long-form unscripted formats and producing award-winning feature documentaries and factual programming.

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned business with a diverse portfolio of leading pet care products, veterinary services, and quality snacking and food products. Mars is committed to creating a better world for people, pets, and the planet through its Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.